Meet Rita Salazar Dickerson | Portrait Artist Specializing in Commissioned work.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Salazar Dickerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Winston Churchill said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Living out this truth in my art life and eventual professional career as an artist has been proven true time and time again. When I look back on what the art world would consider failures, (poorly rendered drawings and paintings), I never hesitated to keep pushing forward. There has always been this built in drive in me to keep learning, keep creating, keep putting my work out there and facing the possibility of criticism and rejection . Fear might have to be occasionally beaten down but that’s okay. I acknowledge the fear and then let it go.

Choose to be positive in your attitude and approach to each day. If you were called to create, then create, in whatever medium and capacity that is available to you. Smile and ignore the nay sayers along with the negative voices in your head. Do what you love and eventually the money will follow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Along with creating paintings with subject matter that inspires me I also specialize in commissioned work. I enjoy getting to know my client, understanding their vision or dream for a painting and then making that dream come true. Because I am comfortable with all subject matter, commissioned work is a journey that each client takes me on; I never know what I’m going to paint and the mystery is exciting for me! There are so many beautiful stories with my commissions I wish I could tell them all.

There have been many challenges along the way and I welcomed them. When I first started accepting commissions in high school I realized that saying “yes” to every challenge opened doors to new challenges. It didn’t take long before I was known as a professional artist (not a hobbyist). Along with portraiture I accepted all types of work from children’s wall murals, calligraphy (which I learned as I took the jobs), designed t-shirts, painted signs, nothing was beneath me. I used that money to finance my art business – mostly for art supplies and art workshops with master artists. All those miscellaneous commissions supported my bigger goal of becoming the best artist possible. Today I am known as a confident, successful, professional oil painter who takes her work seriously and yet enjoys every step of the process.

Volunteering is also an important and valuable asset to my career. When an artist volunteers to paint a theater set, a wall mural at a church, do a live demo for a worthy fundraiser or gallery event, people take note of who you are and appreciate your giving back to the community. Its a win-win. I have always believed that to whom much is given, much is required.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado Springs makes it easy when it comes to entertaining guests. From Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak, or visiting Glen Erie Castle(I’m in awe of that gorgeous historical place)… as well as all the hiking trails near or within the city limits, the possibilities for outdoor excursions could easily fill a week. Coffee shops abound. Some of my favorites: The Principal’s Office (the mocha is to die for), Story Coffee Company takes care of my need for a latte in hand as I stroll across the park, Loyal Coffee knows what they’re doing in all things food and coffee, and Building Three for a unique atmosphere as well as excellent coffee.

For good and inexpensive Mexican food, Zapata will surprise your taste buds, Oliver’s Deli is consistently delicious for breakfast and lunch. A fun place to hang out and enjoy the best pizza ever: The White Pie. And if you’re not sure what you want to eat but you want it to be good, go to The Well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil I was told I had a gift. I was fortunate enough to be born into a family that appreciated art, encouraged creativity and believed in God given gifts. My dad, a gifted artist himself, was my first mentor. He paid attention, critiqued and helped me grow as a young artist. He didn’t push. He only cheered me on. Later and still today, my husband Robert, who could have distanced himself from my artistic goals but instead has always respected, encouraged and helped me wherever he can. He took a sincere interest in what I was doing. And there was a long season in our marriage when we could have really used a second, consistent income – but instead he supported me in sticking to my goals. Robert knew nothing about art when we first met and now he understands all the fundamentals of a strong painting and appreciates the work of several artists. With his strong understanding of the business world he’s my advisor, bookkeeper, travel agent, studio assistant and travel companion to all my shows and art events.

Website: RitaSalazarDickerson.com

Instagram: @ritasalazardickerson